Champalimaud Design

Since beginning in Alexandra’s home studio in Montreal, Champalimaud has grown steadily by its commitment to creating extraordinary spaces for an international clientele. The studio celebrates design excellence and the traditions of craftsmanship - a pairing that has allowed it to explore and redefine designing for impact. Over the last quarter century, Champalimaud Design has been distinguished by its visionary design concepts and keen eye for detail, imbuing spaces with a timeless, bespoke elegance. The firm has worked on legendary properties from Singapore to Beverly Hills, along with numerous private homes and residential developments around the world.

As founding principal of Champalimaud Design, Alexandra Champalimaud challenges her staff to bring out the soul of each project through careful observation and a deep understanding of the connection between spaces and those who use them. Drawing upon a wealth of personal experiences and professional commissions throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and South America, her designs are renowned for their worldly, multifaceted vantage point.

Courtney Brannan has grown with Champalimaud since her first summer as an intern, developing an exuberant and personal style inspired by a love of research. Courtney’s projects include the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and the newly renovated St. Regis New York, along with the anticipated Belden House and Mews in Litchfield, Connecticut.

When designing a room, what is the most crucial aspect for you? Talk us through your design process.

Courtney Brannan: We design by thinking about who will engage and interact with a space, the unique qualities of those people, and by learning the story of the location. A room needs to bring together culture and personality with the many moments of how we live. We strive to create places that feel natural for people to come back to again and again, yet remain a fresh experience every time.

How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in your projects?

Alexandra Champalimaud: We don’t balance aesthetics and functionality--we must achieve both. If it is not highly functional and beautiful, we should keep looking.

Why should an Architect or Interior Designer include pieces of Italian Craftsmanship in their projects?

Alexandra Champalimaud: The inclusion of quality artisan craftsmanship in our projects is central to creating interiors that will last, and Italians have long been and remain recognized leaders worldwide. The Italian culture and history is rich in detail and character. 

Courtney Brannan: New Italian pieces carry the essence of Italian design tradition. There’s a simplicity to contemporary Italian furniture that every room needs.

Is there a dream project you aspire to work on?

Alexandra Champalimaud: Close to my own home in Litchfield, Connecticut, it has been a dream to work with my son Anthony on restoring a historic property called Belden House. Working with an Owner/Operator is a special kind of partnership with a united sense of design ethos and experience.

Courtney Brannan: My dream project is whatever my next project happens to be! Designers are always learning, and our inspiration tends to be found while creating new stories.